Pink Peonies, 12 x 16, Oil, Accepted into American Impressionist Society Small Works 2026

Light & Loose

Techniques and strategies for capturing luminous florals with confident brushstrokes, vibrant color, and painterly texture – without getting lost in detail

Medium: Oil or acrylic
Level: All levels welcome
Class Dates: Wednesdays, May 6-27, 2026
Class Times:
• 10:00 am-noon Pacific Time
• 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Eastern Time
• 6:00 pm-8:00 pm UK Time

In this course, Chris will share how she paints beautiful Impressionist florals using loose brushwork, vibrant color, and rich painterly texture. You’ll learn how to simplify shapes, capture light, and bring fresh flowers to life on the surface—without getting trapped in tedious detail. Each week will feature specific components of a successful painting, ranging from setting up an arrangement, lighting, selecting additional reference material, choosing color palettes, brushwork and mark-making, edges, and more.

Through practice exercises and projects, students will gain the confidence to take risks, explore new ideas and work through the roadblocks that inevitably appear. Chris will explain her process and demonstrate her techniques every step of the way, including her innovative approach to color harmony, and how she decides when to put the brush down.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter looking to loosen up your style, you’ll walk away with the tools to create luminous, expressive floral paintings full of movement and life. Suitable for most media.